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Photograhers try to capture the last few moments of the Transit of Venus at Pu`ukohola Heiau NHS. (June 5, 2012). Photo used by permission, Greg Cunningham.

On June 5, 2012, professional astronomers, photographers, and visitors from across the globe gathered at Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site to witness the final Transit of Venus. Besides telescopes and solar glasses, the park offered live streaming video from NASA and the Keck Observatory, both of which were broadcasting from the summit of nearby Mauna Kea. Mahalo to those individuals who were kind enough to allow park visitors opportunities to use their telescopes and other equipment for this event.

To see photos from this event, please visit the park's official Facebook site: Click Here!

 

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  A Rare Visitor to the Park (December 12, 2011)

  Photos and sounds of a rare visitor to the park: an `I`iwi (Hawaiian Honeycreeper), which are normally found at high altitudes. Though common in pre-contact Hawaii, it is very rare for the `i`iwi to come down to sea-level along the Kohala Coast.

  Credit / Author:

  Credit / Author: NPS/Treasure Sobiono-Morikawa and Kahau Agustin (Photos)

  Date created:

  2011-12-12

 

 

 

 

On August 21, 2009 President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation in which he recognized Pu'ukohola Heiau as a place where "Americans honor the islands' collective legacy." See full text below:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release August 21, 2009

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF HAWAII STATEHOOD
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

It is with great pride that our Nation commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Statehood for Hawaii. On August 21, 1959, we welcomed Hawaii into the United States ohana, or family. Unified under the rule of King Kamehameha the Great, it was Queen Lili'uokalani who witnessed the transition to a Provisional Government controlled by the United States. As a Nation, we honor the extensive and rich contributions of Native Hawaiian culture to our national character.

Borne out of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean, a chain of islands emerged that would bear witness to some of the most extraordinary events in world history. From Pu'ukohola Heiau and the royal residence at the `Iolani Palace, to the USS ARIZONA Memorial and luaus that pay tribute to Hawaiian traditions, Americans honor the islands' collective legacy and admire their natural beauty. Home to unique and endangered species, active volcanoes, and abundant reefs, the Hawaiian islands actively conserve their distinctive ecosystems with responsible development and a deep-rooted appreciation for the land and surrounding ocean.

The Aloha Spirit of Hawaii offers hope and opportunity for all Americans. Growing up in Hawaii, I learned from its diversity how different cultures blend together into one population -- proud of their personal heritage and made stronger by their shared sense of community. Our youngest State, Hawaii faces many of the same challenges other States face throughout our country, and it represents the opportunity we all have to grow and learn from each other.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 21, 2009, as the Fiftieth Anniversary of Hawaii Statehood. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA